Employment

Social Security Number

The Social Security Number (SSN) is a 9-digit federal taxpayer identification number issued to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and non-immigrants who qualify based on lawful status and legal employment. Social Security numbers are used to report your wages to the government and to determine eligibility for Social Security benefits.

The SSN is often requested for other purposes, such as opening a bank account
or setting up a cell phone plan. While the SSN is convenient, it is not required for anything except U.S. employment. If you
have any trouble setting up these services, you should request to speak to a
supervisor or choose a different company for the services you are seeking.

J-1 Scholars

Form DS-2019

Passport with I-94 card

Proof of employment authorization. A J-1 scholar or exchange visitor must have
a letter from the exchange program sponsor authorizing employment. For exchange
visitors in J-1 categories in which employment is authorized incident to status
(such as research fellows or visiting faculty) Form DS-2019 should be
sufficient.

All applicants must submit a completed Form SS-5, Application for a Social
Security Card

Notes

If you are a J-1 exchange visitor or student, and Clark University is
not your program sponsor, we cannot provide you with this letter. Please contact
your program officer for assistance.

J-2 visa holders (spouses and dependents of J-1) ARE eligible for a SSN only
after receiving employment authorization. Please check with an ISSO advisor if
you have questions about J-2 work permission.